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Most Web-Savvy Counties In U.S.

Each year the Center for Digital Government's Digital Counties Survey partners up with the National Association of Counties to conduct a survey to find U.S. counties that are leading the way with technology despite fewer resources. Among other things, this year's winners showed progressive websites that utilized innovative solutions and strategies that aligned with county priorities. Broken down into four population-based categories, here are the 10 winners for counties with a population of 500,000 or more.

For the fifth consecutive year, Oakland County's website has been named one of the best government web sites in the nation.

The Michigan-based county has an alternative version of its website designed for touch-screen navigation and browsing called Mobile Touch, according to the county's website.

After taking the No. 1 spot in 2011, Palm Beach County in Florida bumped down to No. 3 in the survey rankings.

Connecting local entities around the county with Internet service via the Florida LambdaRail, the county website boasts interlocal agreements with municipalities, the School District of Palm Beach County, Florida Atlantic University, Palm Beach State College, the South Florida Water Management District and many other public sector agencies.

Coming in at No. 4 on the survey, San Diego County's website has the latest news from the county, along with basic facts about the county’s history and facilities.

The site's visitor-friendly navigation allows natives and tourists alike to check out attractions, like Sea World, or parks for camping complete with the ability to book online-camping reservations.

Bexar County, Texas boasts its No. 5 ranking right toward the bottom of its county's homepage.

One reason for the accolade may be the prominently displayed Most Wanted Mugshots under its "Most Requested Links" -- giving visitors what they truly want.

It's all in the name for King County in Washington State. The website, also ranking No. 5, said it is committed to ensuring equal access to all its programs and services, including its website.

In an effort to ensure equal access, King County established comprehensive guidelines for its web site designers so that information featured on its web site is accessible to all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, according to its website.

On its website, County Executive Isiah Legget said “We’ve been acknowledged for 10 consecutive years as being among the top 10 counties in the nation for our technology achievements.”

Montgomery County in Maryland isn't shy about its No. 6 ranking in the survey.

Visitors who are unfamiliar with the site can check out the new website tutorial with step-by-step instructions.

Orange County, Florida comes in at No. 7.

In at No. 8, Fulton County, Georgia, connects residents through its new "Fulco2Go" mobile website.

For the latest information, visitors can also sign up for newsletters through the county's website.

Also tied for No. 8 is Sacramento County, Calif.

"Our country has done a tremendous job in continually looking for ways to use technology to not only benefit our citizens, but to use it in a way that streamlines processes and is most cost efficient. I am very proud of our tech-advances and innovations, and I am looking forward to our many new IT initiatives that will further help our constituents, save money, reduce manial processes and increase transparency," Sacramento County Chief Information Officer Rami Zakaria said in a news release about the ranking.

Baltimore County in Maryland ranked No. 9 on the survey. County Executive Kevin Kamenetz said, "We are leveraging technology in a way that is very cost-effective, both in terms of saving taxpayer dollars, but also in improving the speed and quality of the services we provide to our citizens."

Baltimore County Director of Information Technology Rob Stradling said, "This award testifies to our success, not just in using technology to support operational priorities, but how we effectively economize and find innovative ways to use technology to meet higher demands in challenging economic times."

Also ranked No. 9 is Tulsa County, Okla.

The site lets users easily navigate the county's services and programs.

Hennepin County's website comes in No. 10.

Along with online services, visitors can check out featured videos and slideshows under its "Multimedia" link on the county's website.

Rounding out the list and also tied at No. 10 is Wake County in N.C. According to its website, this year's honors mark six of 10 years Wake County has been in the top 10 since the survey started in 2003.

"Wake County offers residents and visitors many fantastic programs," said Board of Commissioners Chair Paul Coble on the county's award. "Being recognized by the National Association of Counties' and Center for Digital Government is an honor that all of our residents should be proud of."

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